Call was bad for Saints, but the playcalling was, too

There were plenty of questionable officiating rulings in both championship games. But based on their earlier decisions, the Saints can't say they were cheated.

JIM SOUHAN @Souhanstrib

Sean Payton and Bill Belichick thought they got cheated.

The coach who presided over Bountygate and the coach who is synonymous with football espionage grew pouty, Payton calling the league office moments after the Saints lost to the Rams, and Belichick flinging his tablet toward the Arrowhead Stadium stands after he believed officials missed a call against the Chiefs.

Payton was right about this: The officiating in the NFC Championship Game was horrific, and one call in particular will remain infamous in New…